Kenya: Hippos nights of terror in village angers residents

Kangai residents in Kirinyaga County claim that hippos have killed at least 10 herd of cattle. Photo/FILE 

By GEORGE MUNENE gamunene@yahoo.com
Posted  Friday, April 12  2013 at  09:35

Three hippos on Friday killed a cow and injured another at Kangai village, Kirinyaga County stirring anger among area residents.

Mr Mbuko Nyaga, a dairy farmer heard a loud commotion at dawn. On inspection, he found one cow lying dead and another injured.

He immediately raised alarm which attracted residents who began searching for the wild animals but they could not locate the hippos.

Over the past three months, the hippos have killed 10 herd of cattle triggering protests from villagers who have threatened to kill the wild animals.

Area chief, Mr Hezekiel Mutugi said the hippos, whose habitat is Thiba river strike when the residents are asleep causing irrevocable damage.

"These are dangerous beasts and should be relocated to another area," he said.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers later visited the scene to search for the hippos but failed to find any.

However, they said they would lay traps and have the hippos captured at night.

The residents have accused KWS of negligence and have threatened to kill the hippos once they show up.

"We had been complaining to KWS and they have failed to tame the beasts. If this persists, we will kill the beasts for food," a villager said.

The residents are also demanding compensation for damages incurred due to destructions by the hippos.

"The hippos also chase our children on their way to school. We are worried they might attack and injure them," another villager said.

Area chief, Mr Hezekiel Mutugi concurred with the residents saying their concerns were genuine and that KWS should address the matter quickly.